Obituary of Thomas Jeffrey Gates

Thomas Jeffery Gates, 51, of South Orange, NJ passed away on May 8, 2024.

Thom was born in Bennington, VT, was raised in Hoosick Falls, NY, and has lived in South Orange, NJ for 18 years. He graduated from Hoosick Falls Central High School in 1991, and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Niagara University in 1995. Thom worked as a Stage Manager on many off-Broadway and regional productions, most recently on The Gardens of Anuncia.  A proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, he spent 23 years working as a Stage Manager on the Broadway productions of Noises Off (2001 revival), Hairspray, Brooklyn, High Fidelity, Finian’s Rainbow (2009 revival), Newsies, Pippin (2013 revival), The Visit, Waitress and the current Tony-nominated musical Illinoise.

Thom had a welcoming smile, generous heart, and an understated well-timed sense of humor. He loved to spend time with his dogs, worked hours in the yard gardening, was very proud of his holiday decorations, loved to travel and was slightly addicted to HGTV.  Thom was loved by his family and friends.  He was a beloved member of the theater community.

Thom is survived by his husband Rick Steiger; sisters Sylvia Carpenter (John), Claudia Gates, Renie George (Bruce); sister and brothers-in-law Mary Steiger, Tom Steiger (Debbie), Joe Steiger (Kris), and Mikey Steiger (Nate); nieces and nephews Jesse and Sean Carpenter, Devin and Ashley Olszowy, Gabriella Delnevo, Kristen Odell-Putnam, Christopher and Jennifer Simpson, Kaitlyn, Cole, Ben, Kamryn, Thomas, Jonathan, and Kayley Steiger; preceded in death by father Floyd Gates, mother Irene Gates, and father- and mother-in-law Joe and Alice Steiger.

Services will be on May 20th at 11am at The First Baptist Church, Hoosick Falls, NY.  Private interment.  A celebration of Thom’s life will occur in New York City at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Thom’s favorite charities The Michael J. Fox Foundation (give.michaeljfox.org) or

Broadway Cares (donate.broadwaycares.org).

For more information or to send condolences please visit prestonfuneralhome.net